Pheromone evolution and ecology in insects on intra- and inter-specific scales [ 2005-07-28 - 2008-12-31 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Matthew Symonds (Postdoctoral Fellow)

Brief description Pheromone evolution and ecology in insects on intra- and inter-specific scales. The study of pheromones is important because so many insect pests use them as part of their reproductive life cycle, increasing their potential to cause damage to crops and other natural products. My research will improve our understanding of the evolution of pheromones and communication by smell, a subject that has been largely neglected by evolutionary biologists. More specifically, by identifying the ecological factors that influence pheromone evolution, the research will help to assess the long-term consequences of the control measures currently used against such pests and, in particular, will have direct applications to the prevention of damage to Australian pine plantations by the invasive five-spined bark beetle, Ips grandicollis.

Funding Amount $234,694

Funding Scheme Discovery Projects

View this grant in the ARC Data Portal